Viennese Dip

The extravagant Vienna Kaffeehaus opened to acclaim on 16 August at the Great Hall of National Gallery of Victoria.

A pop-up installation created by the exciting partnership of designer Megan Hounslow and designer/architect Melanie Beynon, Kaffeehaus by Meme Design was inspired by the Cabaret Fledermaus and the grandeur of the Great Hall at NGV.

Meme (pronounced me me) was invited to design the very first popup hospitality venture in the Great Hall, to complement the 2011 Wintermasters ‘Vienna Art and Design’ exhibition running until 9 October.

On the evening of the launch (pictured) guests enjoyed a private viewing of Klimt, Schiele, Loos and Hoffmann, before Idea Nation’s Annie Harper, introduced Megan Hounslow and Melanie Beynon to the crowd.

Designer Melanie Beynon, says their ambitious pop-up installation took its design cues from Viennese artists, and also looked to local suppliers to bring the concept to life.

“Meme worked with suppliers to sponsor elements of the project as a way of preserving the design intent and extending the budget,” she says.

“We decided to draw on the synergy between the signature crafted tiled walls of Cabaret Fledermaus and the Leonard French stained-glass ceiling of the Great Hall. We also brought together a Joseph Hoffman black and white tiled floor and a selection of the #12 and #14 Thonet chairs,” Beynon says.

“Amongst the theatrical foliage, we placed many custom-designed LED light follies and these were used to transform the triple-height space,” she says.

Sponsors for the event were: Inlite for the LED lighting, Volker Haug for the table lamps and Thonet for the chairs. Stems by Design produced the floral arrangements and entertainment was provided by the Stiletto Sisters. AESOP donated gorgeous product for guests to take home and Peter Rowland catering offered delicious Vienesse inspired food and drinks.

Based in Melbourne, the Meme team provide clients with innovative, authentic and timeless architecture with a focus on beauty. Meme also offers one off the creation of interior design, installations and objects that embody these values.

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